ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
792 projects out of 818 approved for setting up food processing Industries by the private sector with Grants of Rs 5792 Crores-Prahlad Singh Patel
Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Shri Prahlad Singh Pateltoday said that Government has been consistently encouraging and incentivizing increased private sector investment for overall development of Food Processing sector of the country to promote value addition in agricultural and allied sector and reduce wastage.
So far, 792 projects out of a total of 818 projects have been approved for setting up food processing Industries by the private sector with approved Grants in Aid of Rs 5792 Crores.
In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, he said, in order to further increase private sector participation in the sector, Government has recently taken three major initiatives.
Firstly, Government has approved the introduction of “Production Linked Incentive scheme” for Food Processing Sector with an outlay of Rs 10,900 Crore to support creation of global food manufacturing champions and support Indian brands of food products in international market.
Secondly, with a view to extend incentives to the private micro food enterprises, Self Help Groups , Farmer Producer Organizations  and Cooperatives, spread all over the country, MoFPI is implementing centrally sponsored "PM Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises Scheme". The scheme aims to provide financial, technical and business support for upgradation/ setting up of two lakh micro food processing units based on One District One Product  approach in a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 crores.
Thirdly, in the budget speech for 2021-2022, Government has announced expansion of scope of “Operation Greens scheme” from Tomato, Onion & Potato  to 22 perishable products, so as to boost value addition in agriculture and allied products and their exports.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries  is implementing a Central Sector umbrella scheme- Pradhan MantriKisanSampadaYojana  since 2016-17 for overall growth and development of food processing sector, mostly through private sector participation. Under the component schemes, MoFPI provides credit linked financial assistance  in the form of grants-in-aid to entrepreneurs for setting up of food processing / preservation industries with farm level infrastructure like primary processing facilities, collection centres etc.
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Govt. of India has so far provided more than 17.02 crore vaccine doses to States/UTs Free of Cost
More than 94.47 lakh doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered
Over 36 Lakh doses in addition will be received by the States/UTs in the next 3 days
The Government of India is at the forefront of the fight against the COVID19 pandemic in collaboration with the States and UT through a “Whole of Government” approach. In addition to Test, Track, Treat and COVID Appropriate Behaviour, Vaccination forms an integral component of the five point strategy of Government of India for containment and management of the pandemic.
Implementation of the Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of Covid-19 Vaccination has started from 1st May 2021. Registration for the new eligible population groups has commenced since 28th April. Potential beneficiaries can either register directly on the CoWIN portal  or through the Aarogya Setu app.
The Government of India has so far provided nearly 17.02 crore vaccine doses  to States/UTs Free of Cost. Of this, the total consumption including wastages is 16,07,94,796 doses .
More than 94.47 lakh COVID Vaccine doses  are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Furthermore, more than 36 lakh  vaccine doses will be received in addition by the States/UTs within the next 3 days.
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Six technology innovation platforms launched for development of technologies for globally competitive manufacturing in India.
Innovation in high-end technology creates wealth for the country, we must innovate for our needs and lead India towards an ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’: Shri Prakash Javadekar
Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Shri Prakash Javadekar today inaugurated  six Technology Innovation Platforms which will focus on development of technologies for the globally competitive manufacturing in India.
Shri Javadekar said that these platforms are the gift to the nation during the celebration of ‘AzadikaAmrutMahotsav-Celebration of 75 Years of Independence’ and will help in bringing all India’s technical resources and the concerned Industry on to one platform to kick start and facilitate identification of technology problems faced by Indian Industry and crowd source solutions for the same.
The Minister further stated that this will facilitate the development of the key ‘mother’ manufacturing technologies' indigenously through ‘Grand Challenges’ on the Platforms to help achieve the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and a globally competitive manufacturing sector in India.
The Six Technology Platforms have been developed by IIT Madras,Central Manufacturing Technology Institute , International Centre for Automotive Technology, Automotive Research Association of India,BHEL and HMT in association with IIScBanglore. These platforms will focus on development of technologies for the globally competitive manufacturing in India.
These platforms will facilitate industry , start-ups, domain experts/professionals, R&D institutions and academia , to provide technology solutions, suggestions, expert opinions etc. on issues involving manufacturing technologies. Further, it will facilitate exchange of knowledge with respect to research & development and other technological aspects. Over 39000 Students, Experts, Institutes, Industries and labs have already registered on these platforms.
Following are the links to register on the six Technology Platforms:
- https://aspire.icat.in
- https://sanrachna.bhel.in/
- https://technovuus.araiindia.com/
- https://techport.hmtmachinetools.com
- https://kite.iitm.ac.in/
- https://drishti.cmti.res.in/
Prime Minister's Office
PM extends greetings on Id-E-Milad
(The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended his greetings on the occasion of Id-E-Milad.
“Greetings on Id-E-Milad. May the teachings of Prophet Mohammad further the spirit of harmony in our society”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Electronics & IT
Date for accepting applications under PLI scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware extended till August 30, 2023
Production Linked Incentive  Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware was notified vide notification No. CG-DL-E-30052023-246165 dated May 29, 2023, with a budgetary outlay of ₹ 17,000 crore. The scheme is aimed at broadening and deepening of the IT hardware manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
The Operational Guidelines of Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware has been notified on 14.07.2023 and are available at following URL :https://www.meity.gov.in/esdm/production-linked-incentive-scheme-pli-20-it-hardware
The application window for receiving applications under PLI Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware has been extended till August 30, 2023. The application portal for the aforesaid scheme has been made live and applicants can register/apply at https://2.pliithw.com/login.
Special Service and Features
Maharashtra Governor unfurls National Tricolour in Pune, flags off rally for Road Safety
Mumbai, 15 August 2022
Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari unfurled the National Flag on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Independence Day being celebrated as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav at the Council Hall in Pune on Monday .
People's representatives, retired officers of armed forces, senior government officials, citizens and children were present in large numbers. The Governor exchanged Independence Day greetings with all those present on the occasion.
The Governor flagged off a Motor Bike Rally from the Council Hall compound soon after the flag hoisting ceremony. The Motor Bike Rally was organised by the Shekhar Naidu Memorial Foundation to create awareness about Road Safety.
The trustees of Sri Prayagdham Trust Pune presented a cheque for the Prime Minister's Relief Fund to the Governor on this occasion.
Governor pays tribute to martyrs at National War Memorial
Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari visited the National War Memorial at Ghorpadi in Pune and offered his tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Senior officers and jawans of the Southern Command were present.
The National War Memorial Southern Command has been erected by the Citizens of Pune. The Memorial is dedicated to the soldiers, sailors and airmen who made the supreme sacrifice defending the country since Independence.
Governor releases Diamond Jubilee Souvenir of ZP Pune
Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari released the Diamond Jubilee Souvenir brought out by the Zilla Parishad Pune after the flag hoisting ceremony.
The Governor also released the My Stamps and Special Cover brought out by the Department of Posts on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of the Zilla Parishad Pune.
Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad Pune Ayush Prasad and Pune Regional Post Master General Ramchandra Jaybhaye were present.| PIB Mumbai | CP/DR
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Ministry of Finance
Auction for Sale  of Government Stocks
The Government of India has announced the Sale  of  ‘7.00 per cent Government Stock, 2021’ for a notified amount of Rs. 3,000 crore  through price based auction,  ‘7.27 per cent Government Stock, 2026’ for a notified amount of Rs. 3,000 crore  through price based auction,  ‘Govt. of India Floating Rate Bonds, 2031’ for a notified amount of Rs. 5,000 crore  through price based auction,  ‘7.62 per cent Government Stock, 2039’ for a notified amount of Rs. 2,000 crore  through price based auction, and  ‘7.63 per cent Government Stock, 2059’ for a notified amount of Rs. 4,000 crore  through price based auction. Subject to the limit of Rs. 17,000 crore, being total notified amount, the Government of India will have the option to retain additional subscription up to Rs. 1,000 crore each against any one or more of the above securities. The auctions will be conducted using multiple price method. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India , Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on May 31, 2019 .
Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the stocks will be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution  system on May 31, 2019. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon and the competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m.
The result of the auctions will be announced on May 31, 2019  and payment by successful bidders will be on June 3, 2019 .
The Stocks will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India  vide Circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Portable Sterilization unit using new hybrid sterilization technology can decontaminate PPEs rapidly
Scientists have developed a portable sterilisation unit using a new technology called the hybrid sterilization system that can decontaminate personal protective equipment  necessary for combating COVID 19, easily and rapidly, allowing them to be used multiple times.
It can be used by health professionals and other COVID warriors for whom PPEs are essential and can prevent generation of hazardous solid waste from PPEs.
IIT Tirupati  and IISER Tirupati have jointly developed the Portable Optical Cavity
Sterilization Unit  to provide efficient and rapid decontamination of personal protective equipment  and other household items. A working point-of-use sterilization unit has been developed with the support of Science and Engineering Research Board , a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology .
UV radiation is a proven method for sterilization. However, the lower penetration depth of UV-C and faster divergence from the source can result in nonuniform treatment. The team consisting of Dr. Reetesh Kumar Gangwar , Dr. Arijit Sharma , and Dr. Shihabudheen M. Maliyekkal  from IITT have developed this hybrid sterilization system consisting of a UV radiation cavity, cold plasma, and H2O2 spray.
Unlike the traditional UV systems, this unit follows the optical cavity concept to optimize the use of photon flux in the treatment area. The system confines the UV radiation and enhances photon-flux and sterilization efficacy. The coherent operation of UV-C, cold plasma, and H2O2 spray further strengthens the sterilization efficiency due to more hydroxyl radical production.
Dr. VasudharaniDevanathan from IISER Tirupati will assist the IITT team in evaluating the sterilizing efficiency of the portable unit. Dr. R. Jyaprada , SVIMS hospital, Tirupati, will also test the system's effectiveness in the SVIMS microbiology laboratory.
The team is currently optimizing the design parameters, including UV dose, plasma, and H2O2 concentration, to get the optimum sterilization performance in short contact time of less than 2 min. Due to the non-thermal nature of the treatment, the proposed unit shall also find application in the sterilization of other items such as packed and unpacked food, currency, and other household items.
For more details, please contact: Dr. Reetesh Kumar Gangwar, IIT Tirupati, Email: reetesh@iittp.ac.in, Mob: 8018119014
The schematic design of the sterilization unit, along with the contributors Dr. Reetesh Kumar Gangwar , Dr. Arijt Sharma , Dr. Shihabudheen M. Maliyekkal , and Dr. VasudharaniDevanathan .
Special Service and Features
CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute  has developed a process for Supercapacitor electrode grade carbon as a substitute to carbon import for supercapacitor device.
A new partnership has embarked on, between CSIR-Central Electrochemcial Research Institute , Karaikudi and M/s Qmax Ion  Ltd, Chennai through a Know-how transfer on i) Value added high surface area Carbon for the fabrication of Supercapacitors and ii) Process for the fabrication of 2.7 V, 100 F Cylindrical Supercapacitors.
This memorable event happened in the presence of Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Hon’ble Member of NITI Aayog in the premises of CSIR-CECRI Chennai Centre, CMC, Taramani. Dr.V.K. Saraswat emphasized that this should lead to strengthen the India based supply chain in the area of Supercapacitor with an ultimate goal to reduce the import substitute.
The know-how on Supercapacitor material and device making developed by Dr. M. Sathish, Scientist of CSIR – CECRI, was transferred to M/s Qmax Ion  Ltd at a function wherein Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director of CSIR –CECRI highlighted that the increasing demand at CAGR of 30 % for Supercapacitors would take this technology to newer heights.
Upon receipt of Know-how, Shri Sabapathi, Chairman & Managing Director of M/s Qmax Ion  Ltd, iterated his strong commitment to implement this Supercapacitor Technology in the country to fulfil the requirements of Strategic & Domestic Markets. He added that this milestone even add laurels to their venture on energy storage devices in particular Li-ion Battery manufacturing goals for submarine applications.
Supercapacitor, an energy storage device complementary to battery, is used as a stand-alone device for emergency power backup, load levelling, regenerative breaking and high power requirements. Also, in hybrid with other energy storage devices such as Li-ion/lead acid battery it could be used to meet high power and high-energy demand. Currently, the country’s demand on supercapacitor mainly depends on import and recently a slow momentum is gained for its indigenous fabrication in Indian market. There is no supply chain for the required components including the activated carbon, the basic raw material.
CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute , a premier research establishment under the aegis of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research , New Delhi, has developed a process for Supercapacitor electrode grade carbon as a substitute to carbon import for supercapacitor device. The value adding process to the commercial carbon available in India at the cheaper price enables economically viable electrode grade carbon for supercapacitor application. Also, CSIR-CECRI developed the Supercapacitor Cell Fabrication Technology using the indigenous carbon.
Ministry of Defence
Sailing Expedition from Kochi to Androth Island Onboard INSV Bulbul 
A sailing expedition from Kochi to Androth Island in Lakshadweep and Minicoy group of islands and back is being undertaken by Offshore Sailing Club, Kochi under the aegis of Southern Naval Command. The aim of the sailing expedition is to inculcate a spirit of adventure, hone nautical skills and foster ocean sailing amongst young Naval personnel.
The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel  Bulbul was flagged off from Naval Base, Kochi on 23 Dec 20 by Rear Admiral Antony George, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command. INSV Bulbul is a 40 foot, LC-40 design racing- cruiser capable of independent ocean voyages across the world. The vessel has been built in India under the ‘Make in India’ project by M/s Ultra Marine Yatch Pvt. Ltd, Puducherry.
Team Bulbul comprises mixed crew of six officers skippered by Captain Atool Sinha, an Asian Games medalist with over 22,000 nm of ocean sailing experience. The five member crew includes two women officers, the senior most being Rear Admiral Arti Sarin, Command Medical Officer, Southern Naval Command. The officer has volunteered to participate in the expedition to encourage women officers to participate in adventure sports and ocean sailing. Lt Cdr Tulika Kotnala, the second woman crew is an ATC officer who is an ocean sailing expert. She recently participated in the Bay of Bengal Sailing Expedition covering over 4500 nm. Captain US Charan, an aviator, is a recreational sailor. SLts Aviral Keshav and Ojhas Kulkarni are upcoming yatchmen, who are on their maiden ocean sailing voyage. The expedition will culminate on 28 Dec 20 at Kochi, after covering a distance of 400 nautical miles.
Ministry of Tourism
India tousim Patna organised the “Tree Plantation Program near Waterbodies” at Agamkuan Temple, Patna
India tousim Patna, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India organised successfully the “Tree Plantation Program near Waterbodies” at Agamkuan Temple, Patna, Bihar on 31st July, 2023 with association of members of Yuva Tourism Club, Kendriya Vidyalaya No.1, Kankarbagh, Patna. Around 50 nos. of students along with coordinators of Yuva Tourism Club, Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Kankarbagh Patna and members of Tourism Association of Bihar , Patna were participated in this plantation program.
This event was organised near waterbody of Agamkuan Temple, Patna. More than 100 participants attended this event and contributed in this plantation program with getting the importance of plantation near waterbodies.
During the event, the students were briefed regarding the importance of plantation near waterbodies and get awareness of enviornmental conservation in our society. The coordinator of YTC and officials of ITO Patna office have also briefed the importance of plantation among the students.
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Prime Minister's Office
PM attends Padma Awards ceremony
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today attended Padma Awards ceremony which were conferred on distinguished people from different walks of life.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Joined the ceremony in which Padma Awards were conferred on distinguished people from different walks of life. We take great pride in their accomplishments and contribution to society."
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Cabinet approves Deregulation of Sale of Domestically Produced Crude Oil
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved ‘Deregulation of Sale of Domestically Produced Crude Oil’, whereby Government has decided to cease allocation of crude oil and condensate w.e.f. 01.10.2022. This will ensure marketing freedom for all Exploration and Production  operators. The condition in the Production Sharing Contracts  to sell crude oil to Government or its Nominee or Government Companies shall accordingly be waived off. All E&P companies will now be free to sell crude oil from their fields in domestic market. Government revenues like Royalty, cess, etc. will continue to be calculated on uniform basis across all Contracts. As earlier, exports will not be permissible.
This decision will further spur economic activities, incentivize making investments in upstream oil and gas sector and builds on a series of targeted transformative reforms rolled out since 2014. The policies relating to production, infrastructure and marketing of oil and gas have been made more transparent with a focus on ease of doing business and facilitating more operational flexibility to operators/industry.
Background:
Government has carried out several progressive reforms in Exploration and Production  Sector in last eight years such as pricing and marketing freedom for gas, discovery of gas price through competitive e-bidding process, introduction of Revenue Sharing Contracts under Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy , etc. A large number of blocks have since been allotted through several bidding rounds. As a result of these efforts, allocation of acreage has almost doubled as compared to area awarded before 2014. Since February 2019, reforms have focussed on production maximization with no revenue sharing for difficult basins other than windfall gain.